Leprechaun traps are so much fun to build for St. Patrick’s Day! These simple and easy leprechaun trap ideas just might work! 

Cute and easy leprechaun trap ideas. A collage of three leprechaun traps (shoe box and mason jar) with text overlay that reads "easy leprechaun traps"

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about catching those mischievous leprechauns! Building a leprechaun trap is a fun activity for kids (and adults!) that can spark creativity and imagination.

These leprechaun trap ideas are simple, creative, and fun. They are perfect to make while enjoying some traditional Irish recipes at home. Here are some fun and creative leprechaun trap ideas to try this year. 

SUPPLIES FOR CATCHING LEPRECHAUNS 

Green paper, skittles, a rainbow, gold coins, faux cloers, a glue gun, and scissors on a marble countertop to show leprechaun trap supplies.

There are many supplies that can be used to make a leprechaun trap, and the possibilities are endless. Here are some common supplies that can be used for building a leprechaun trap. 

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Construction paper
  • Paints and markers
  • Glue gun 
  • Glitter and sequins
  • Gold coins
  • Rolos 
  • Green leprechaun hat (try dollar or craft stores)
  • Lucky Charms cereal
  • Cotton balls 
  • Pipe cleaners
  • String or yarn
  • Small toy figurines 
  • Scissors and tape

Easy Leprechaun Trap Ideas

An easy leprechaun trap idea made with a shoebox covered with green pepper. There is a path made with skittles, gold coins, a rainow, and stick ladder.

1. Shoebox Leprechaun Trap 

A simple leprechaun trap idea made with a shoebox.

This classic leprechaun trap is made by wrapping a shoebox (or any other box) like a present with green wrapping paper. 

Cut a hole in the top of the box and cover it with tissue paper or cut slits for the leprechaun to fall through. Don’t forget to top your trap with plenty of bait! 

2. Mason Jar Leprechaun Trap 

A cute and simple leprechaun trap made with a canning jar, moss, gold coins, rainbow, and ladder.

Glass canning jars make wonderful traps and they are so fun and easy to make. We used Weck jar here. The sparkly rainbow topper was found at Michaels, and we made the ladder with sticks and hot glue. 

Make a terrarium-like leprechaun trap by filling your jar with moss, gold coins, and any other enticing decorations. 

Top the jar with a piece of cardstock with slits for the leprechaun to fall through. 

3. Cake Trap

We love this tasty cake trap from Not Martha. The rainbow cake has a hole in the center that’s covered by pretzel bars and topped with gold coins. 

4. Hat Trap

Hats make excellent leprechaun traps and there are a few different ways you can use them.

  1. Find a green or gold leprechaun hat at the dollar store. Replace the top with paper that leprechauns can fall through. 
  2. Prop up a hat with a stick and place gold coins or other bait underneath. When the leprechaun tries to get the bait the hat will fall on him and he will be trapped! 

5. Leprechaun Hotel 

What leprechaun could resist a charming inn? Spruce up a wooden cottage with green and gold. 

6. Lego Trap

This trap is perfect for lego-lovers! Find the lego leprechaun trap instructions here

7. Bug Catcher Trap

Did you know you can use a bug catcher to create an easy leprechaun trap?  Paint it green, decorate it with St. Patrick’s Day stickers, and fill it with leprechaun bait. This clever idea comes from Busy Creating Memories

8. Gold Slime 

Slime-making is a fun sensory activity for kids. This St. Patrick’s Day slime from Little Bins for Little Hands would surly lure a leprechaun. 

9. Glowing Balloon Trap 

A glowing LED balloon adds such a magical element to this leprechaun trap. Get the full instructions on Superior Celebrations

10. Rainbow Slide

Create a rainbow slide using construction paper or cardboard, leading up to a pot of gold (or any shiny object). Make sure the slide is steep enough so that the leprechaun will slide down into your trap! This trap comes from Hoosier Homemade

11. Green Glitter Bomb

Create a glitter bomb by filling an empty jar with green glitter. Leave the jar in plain sight with a sign that reads “free gold.” When the leprechaun goes in for the gold, they’ll be covered in glitter – making them easier to catch!

12. Stairway To Gold

Build a staircase out of blocks or legos leading up to your pot of gold. Make sure each step is wobbly so that it collapses when stepped on – trapping the leprechaun in its tracks.

These are just some ideas to get you started on building your own creative leprechaun traps this St. Patrick’s Day! Remember, half the fun is coming up with your own unique ideas and seeing if they work. Happy trapping!

Leprechaun Trap Kits 

If you are short on time or don’t live near a craft store, a leprechaun trap kit is a great way to go. Get everything you need to catch a leprechaun sent right to your home with a DIY kit. We love this leprechaun trap kit found on Etsy

How to Catch a Leprechaun

Catching a leprechaun can be tricky, as these mischievous creatures are known for their quickness and cleverness. However, with the right tools and techniques, you just might be able to catch one! Here are some tips on how to catch a leprechaun:

  1. Build a trap: Use your imagination and any materials you have on hand to build a trap that will lure the leprechaun in and keep them from escaping.
  2. Use shiny objects as bait: Leprechauns are attracted to shiny objects like gold coins, so use these as bait in your trap.
  3. Set up cameras or alarms: If you’re having trouble catching the leprechaun in the act, set up cameras or alarms to alert you when they’ve been caught.
  4. Work together: Catching a leprechaun can be a team effort – enlist the help of friends or family members to increase your chances of success!
  5. Be patient: Leprechauns are notoriously difficult to catch, so it may take some time and multiple attempts before you finally succeed.

Remember, even if you don’t catch a leprechaun this year, building traps and searching for them is all part of the St. Patrick’s Day fun!